Walking Paws Rehab is your trusted destination for specialized veterinary care in Denver and Boulder. Here, we address common questions and concerns to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your pet’s health and well-being. From understanding our services and treatment approaches to navigating appointment procedures and insurance coverage, our goal is to ensure clarity and confidence every step of the way on your pet’s journey to recovery and wellness.
At Walking Paws Rehab, our team comprises skilled specialists from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique expertise to the table. Securing a position here isn’t easy; our doctors undergo rigorous vetting and extensive training. We recruit based on expertise, assembling a team of veterinarians, physical therapists, and veterinary physiotherapists. Together, we collaborate closely, offering tailored solutions for each patient.
We prioritize comprehensive care, with our entire team regularly rounding on patients to ensure they benefit from a wealth of expertise and advice. This collaborative approach sets us apart and upholds the high standard of care we provide. While you’re welcome to request a specific doctor for your appointment, rest assured that every member of our team is exceptional.
Don’t just take our word for it – our reviews attest to the excellence of our entire team. Whether it’s a veterinarian, physical therapist, or veterinary physiotherapist, your pet is in capable hands, with each therapist boasting extensive knowledge and experience.
Feel free to bring your pet’s favorite treat or toy – keeping sessions positive is key. We’ve got a variety of treats on hand, from dried lamb to turkey, peanut butter, and cheese. Just give us a heads up if your pet has any dietary restrictions.
Now, about those previous records and medical notes – no need to stress! When you book an appointment, we take care of all the logistics. We’ll reach out to your veterinarians to gather records and images, so you can simply focus on bringing your pet in at the scheduled time. It’s hassle-free for you!
Your pet’s appointment frequency is tailored to their unique needs, your goals, and your availability. We collaborate closely with you to find a schedule that aligns with your goals, financial considerations, and your pet’s condition.
Depending on your pet’s needs, we may recommend appointments two to three times a week. For example, for a paralyzed dog, we might aim for at least three sessions weekly to optimize their chances of regaining mobility. For post-orthopedic surgery patients, twice-weekly visits might suffice, while those with maintenance needs or mild lameness may only require weekly visits.
During your initial appointment, please share your availability preferences. This information helps us design treatment plans that maximize outcomes for your pet. If you can attend multiple sessions weekly, we’ll focus on in-clinic treatments. Conversely, if your availability is limited, we’ll prioritize teaching you techniques for at-home care.
We’re experienced in addressing various conditions and circumstances, always striving for the best outcome for your pet. Our priority is collaborating with you to ensure every moment spent together is valuable and contributes to your pet’s well-being.
The duration of your pet’s rehab journey depends on several factors, including their underlying condition, its severity, and your goals. Each patient’s progress varies; for instance, two patients with the same neurologic condition may progress differently, with one regaining mobility in just a month while another may take a year. Every injury is unique, and healing takes time – it’s a journey, not an instant fix.
Your goals also play a significant role in determining the duration of therapy. If your aim is to restore your pet’s ability to walk without a limp, the rehab period may be shorter. However, if you aspire to return your pet to activities like hunting, agility, or hiking, the process may take longer.
Our primary objective is to ensure that by the end of therapy, your pet can walk comfortably and that you feel confident in managing any setbacks. We’re here to support you every step of the way, adapting our approach to suit your pet’s needs and your goals.
We advocate for initiating physical therapy prior to surgery whenever possible. Addressing an injury promptly can expedite pain reduction, swelling reduction, improved weight bearing, and muscle mass for your pet. Prehabilitation often leads to a smoother recovery post-surgery. Following surgery, we typically schedule our patients for their first session about three days afterward.
During these early sessions, our focus is on pain reduction, minimizing swelling and bruising, post-surgical care instructions, initiating a home program, and providing any necessary assistive devices for a smoother recovery. While strength-building isn’t our immediate goal shortly after surgery, starting physical therapy sooner often results in quicker and more effective recoveries.
For pets with neurologic conditions, such as paralysis, immediate action is crucial. The longer the delay from the initial injury, the lower the chances of successful recovery. Given the principle of neuroplasticity, the earlier we begin treatment, the greater the likelihood of walking again. It’s imperative to start physical therapy immediately for neurologic patients to maximize their chances of regaining mobility.
Yes! Our examinations are distinct from those conducted in general practice. We’re highly skilled at detecting subtle issues through tactile assessment. Over the years, we’ve honed a unique examination approach that integrates neurologic, orthopedic, soft tissue, and mobilization techniques, leaving no tendon, ligament, joint, muscle, bone, or nerve overlooked.
To ensure your pet’s comfort and relaxation, we create a soothing environment and utilize treats during the examination. This allows us to conduct a comprehensive assessment while minimizing any stress for your pet. In fact, many of our patients hardly notice they’re being examined at all. Rest assured, our thorough and attentive approach ensures we provide the best possible care for your pet.
Absolutely, we recommend reaching out to your insurance company to explore coverage options for physical therapy and bracing, should your pet require them.
Some insurance policies may require an additional rider to cover these sessions, so it’s worthwhile to inquire about specific coverage details.
We sure do. Our practice offers radiographs, musculoskeletal ultrasounds, and bloodwork if needed. Learn more about our diagnostics services here.
Absolutely not! When a pet experiences a postoperative complication, it’s precisely when they need our assistance the most. At such critical junctures, our intervention can make a significant difference in their recovery. We collaborate closely with your surgeon or primary veterinarian to ensure your pet receives the specialized care they require to overcome complications.
Our approach is proactive and vigilant. We closely monitor our patients, swiftly identifying and addressing any emerging complications or lack of improvement. We don’t adopt a passive “wait and see” stance; instead, our team springs into action to develop tailored programs aimed at halting the progression of complications.
We’re adept at a range of interventions, from wound culturing and administering appropriate antibiotics to performing bandage changes and implementing targeted therapies. When a patient presents with a postoperative complication, rest assured that our multidisciplinary team works tirelessly to facilitate their complete recovery.
We’ve detailed our Flow to Healing here. Check it out!
Please reach out, we’re always happy to help!
